St. Joan of Arc

St. Joan of Arc was born on January 6, 1412, in Lorraine, France, one of five children born to Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romee. From age 13 she received visions from Saint Margaret of Antioch, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Michael the Archangel.

In the early 15th century, England, in alliance with Burgundy, controlled most of what is modern France. In May 1428 Joan's visions told her to find the true king of France and help him reclaim his throne. She resisted for more than three years, but finally went to Charles VII in Chinon and told him of her visions. Carrying a banner that read "Jesus, Mary," she led troops from one battle to another. She was severely wounded, but her victories from February 23, 1429, to May 23, 1430, brought Charles VII to the throne. Captured by the Burgundians during the defence of Compiegne, she was sold to the English for 10 thousand francs. She was put on trial by an ecclesiastical court conducted by Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais, a supporter of England, and was excuted as a heretic.

Joan was burned alive on May 30, 1431, at Rouen, France. In 1456 her case was re-tried, and Joan was acquitted (23 years too late). She was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.

St. Joan is a patron of captives and soldiers. Her Feast Day is May 30.